WRITER PROFILE
It’s always great to get together with a large group of writers and investors and keep up to date on what’s new, the screenplay contest, any recent deals, new dealmaker contacts, agents or managers that are looking and simply encouraging everyone to keep going after every dream in this difficult industry. For the hard working writer we want to do as much as we can to continue the exposure and word of mouth in the investment circles of the industry. Another way we do this is with writer interviews that we send far and wide and showcase at all possible meetings and markets.
We want to encourage your writing spirit, motivate you and again give you the accolades you so deserve.
Asayi
Written by Sharon Curcio
What motivated you to become a writer?
In third grade I won an essay contest. My big claim to fame was starting off my essay defining the topic term the class was given. Can’t say it’s all been smooth sailing since then, but I did get my dream copywriter job years later when I landed a Creative position at a major NY Ad agency.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
I love a blank page. It has never frightened or intimidated me. Rather, I find the blank page inviting, like a deep dive into a starkly cold pool. Invigorating, energizing, and fun.
Do you write projects knowing that so many other factors need to happen to get it to screen and does that come into your project creation?
I write when I have a story to tell. Granted, I am aware of the many difficult processes it takes to get a film made, but as a writer I cannot let these obstacles control my creative journey. Perhaps writers have a compulsive need to tell their tale. My scripts have firm, non-fictional roots. Perhaps this is the engine that drives my work.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate?
I submitted ASAYI. Set in fifteenth century Japan, Asayi is an autistic teen trained as a copyist by her father, the chief scribe for the Ashikaga Shoguns. After his death, the Shogun marries her to a brutal man who frames her for adultery. She is severely punished and left for dead until a ronin-monk finds her and uses her Yurei (ghost) to topple the Yoshinori shogunate. This screenplay appeals to Asian and international audiences. An autistic teen (who presents as mute) sustains the action as many gather around her to bring down an unpopular government. Teen as hero is a fetching proposition (as well as battling bad guys). Perfect for streaming, animation, and of course, action figures.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
My co-writer and I received an HONORABLE MENTION for COWBOY POET submitted to Wikifest earlier this year.
If you could stand in a room full of investor partners looking at many projects what would you like them to know about you and this project?
I have two projects with a teen as hero (male lead in RESONANCE and a female lead in ASAYI.) Both projects are based on non-fiction; RESONANCE presents a climate change story. Having taught high school for two decades, I really know teenagers. Plus I’ve worked in both the public and private sectors: education, corporate marketing and in the military. I understand investor concerns about ROI very well.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?
I have had plays produced and in 2022 one of my lyric plays, “Contemplating Fire”, is scheduled to present as an oratorio in Midland, Michigan. My resume appears on Linked In. I have authored several white papers as a USAR Intelligence Officer.